Man City step up Bukayo Saka interest, Liverpool eye Darwin Nunez as Bayern make second Sadio Mane bid – Paper Round

City want Saka

Paper Round’s view: The report is interesting as it does not exactly state what ‘stepping up interest’ entails, but it would appear making it known publicly is City’s way of preventing him signing a new deal at Arsenal. This could therefore be a huge moment for Saka, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta – signing an extension now would be a big statement and a backing for the Arteta project, but if the summer passes by without a new deal, then talk of Saka moving on will only ramp up as it would signal he is prepared to let his contract run down. Let’s wait and see.

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Liverpool looking at Nunez, Bayern bid £30m for Mane

Paper Round’s view: If Mane leaves then the revolving door at Liverpool must see a new name arrive if they are to keep pace with Manchester City. That will take some doing anyway given Erling Haaland is now at City, and though Luis Diaz was a sensational January acquisition, Mane will still leave a hole behind if he moves on. From Nunez’s perspective, you would imagine the opportunity to play Champions League football with Liverpool trumps the Europa at United.

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Real Madrid offered Sterling

Paper Round’s view: Something has to give at City this summer, particularly with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez arriving. It looks like Gabriel Jesus is on his way out, and while the Sterling rumours are nothing new, we are another year down the line so perhaps it is a greater possibility in the next few months.

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Di Maria the cheap option for Barca

Paper Round’s view: Hardly a long-term strategy with Di Maria 34, but Barca cannot be too picky given their financial constraints. Ensuring Dembele stays is far more important, so you would imagine this ‘low-cost option’ will also be a last resort – that is, unless Di Maria has another club lined up and Barca get desperate.